Ron Burgundy

I think a deal is underway with GWS and pick 2. Have no idea what it looks like. As an aside, GWS love Buntine and Bugg. Hard as cats' heads.

Good post JJJ. Following our loss to GWS earlier this year, I attended the GWS post match function at which I spoke to several players and coaches. They all universally stated that no GWS would ever want to move to the MFC. This was pre-Roos obviously, but I figured that our former number one draft pick had done a great job in running the club down - something which, unfortunately, had been backed up with incredibly poor performances. I really hope we land Shiel. This would be our Shawshank Redemption moment as against some of those smug GWS smart asses (including in particular that serial nerd, Tom Scully). Make it happen MFC.

Was speaking to a mate with genuine links into GWS last night. For instance, he told me about Scully months before it was made official etc (something which I posted here at the time, only to get accused by a few here of being a troll?!). Funny that. Anyway ... I mentioned to him last night that I was worried about the potential that GWS would have a massive crack at Frawley next year. Surprisingly, whilst he didn't completely discount it, he was confident that following this trade/draft period GWS would have their back 6 or so in order going forward, and he speculated that: - GWS's need for Frawley next year would not be as acute as it was this year; and - GWS would probably have other targets for the big $$$ ahead of Frawley next year, given their focus on defenders this year, which they are reasonably confident of sorting out. He also said that he'd be absolutely devastated if GWS traded Shiel, for any pick or person really. Said it'd be a massive coup if the MFC pulled it off, as GWS rate Shiel extremely highly. Not much in this obviously, but thought it worthy of posting.

There's a reason pick 9, in addition to Bugg and Buntine, is in the mix.

Dylan Shiel is the one we need.

This is good news.

Ollie!

It's Shiel for pick 2. Or the draft. Surely.

I had thought Bassett was as good as locked and loaded at Essendon. Interesting that it's not yet been announced. As an aside, who's Wellman joining next year?

Roos has just commenced his FIRST season with us. He has at least two to three to go. So, what about those clubs whose coaches are mid term, or even coming up for contract renewal next year? Do all players avoid those clubs as well because of a lack of a stated succession plan? Not much in that point IMO. And, as an aside, all clubs would find it hard to dislodge the likes of Rockcliff and Sloane.

Not to forget that they've effectively chopped out a stack of good talls in Mumford, White and Reid.

Perfecto.

If I were a Swans supporter, I'd hardly be excited about the Franklin deal. In fact, I genuinely think it's the dumbest deal I've ever observed. And as for Daisy Thomas - not sure I'd be paying so much for an out of form half forward flanker.

Decent stats in a poor year for him. He clearly knows how to get the ball, lay a tackle and is a mid who can kicks goals. Roos will love him.

I'm hoping we add Shiel, Vince, Zak Jones and Cross (PSD) to this. We might then be looking at an AFL standard midfield. And a reasonably competitive, well rounded list.

My only concern arising out of this comes down to the club's judgement. I would hate to think the MFC effectively shut down Simpson and Burns prematurely because we thought we had Dew, only to find that we didn't actually have Dew. This is merely speculation. I expect, for instance, Simpson would've taken a senior gig (ie, WCE) over another assistant coaching role (ie, MFC) every day of the week.

It's also good to see them erode cap so it knocks a little bit more off the war chest available to them to go after Frawley next year.

Those players have left/been cleared out. Jamar's the only one remaining from that period, and he strikes me as a good clubman (ie, not part of the problem culturally).

And Cross in the PSD. All of sudden we have a midfield.

Top post - thanks. I hope we land Cross as well.

No way.

That Dew has re-signed with the Swans is hardly an indictment on Roos and PJ.

Shiel for pick 2 is an absolute no brainer. The issue is whether we can convince GWS to do the deal.

Looks like it's Paul Roos for the next six to ten years then.

Sylvia for Vince. I'd probably take that. I'm still disappointed that Sylvia left the club, although I'm not quite as disappointed as I thought I'd be.